Health Care Program Seeking Volunteers

Hartford — The VA Medical Center in White River Junction is accepting applications for five volunteers positions, as part of Strength to Serve, an AmeriCorps program of the nonprofit Partners in Care Foundation.

Strength to Serve aims to develop a “patient self-management network” that provides veterans, caregivers, and family members with self-management skills, health coaching and access to health resources.

The VA has been chosen to serve as a site for the program for the next three years.

The positions are expected to start in June. They include one part-time position, averaging 20 hours a week; and four “minimum time” positions, averaging ten hours a week. The hours are flexible.

Those chosen will coordinate and deliver workshops on chronic disease self management, provide health coaching, help secure health resources, recruit and coordinate volunteers to support program activities, and work to strengthen community partnerships.

“This service opportunity would be great for any college student who is looking for an internship, undecided on a career path, or thinking about a master’s program,” the VA said in a recent news release.

“AmeriCorps members will have direct contact with those practicing in the fields of social work, psychiatry, counseling and public health.”

The benefits include a modest living allowance, loan deferment, extensive training, and professional development, including certification as an evidence-based workshop facilitator in partnership with Blueprint for Health.

Participants also receive an educational award upon completion of the service term. Those who are 55 or older can transfer the award to a child or grandchild.

The application deadline is April 1. Priority is given to those who apply early.

The VA is also looking for veterans to serve as peer supporters with the project.